As rugby fever hits Leeds with two Rugby Union World Cup games in the city and on the back of the Rhinos winning back to back Challenge Cup Finals at Wembley children, young people and adults from Yorkshire, who have a disability, took part in their own rugby tournament, when Headingley Carnegie Stadium hosted the 15th annual Leeds Disability Tag Rugby Festival.
21 teams took part in the Festival, which is organised by Leeds City Council in partnership with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, the Rugby Football Union and other key rugby providers and clubs across the area. The festival was open to ambulant children, young people and adults with a learning disability and/or moderate physical disability, with ability levels from beginners through to more advanced players.
Speaking about the Festival, Leeds City Council’s disability sports officer Ross Bibby said:
“The Leeds Disability Tag Rugby Festival has become such a popular event in the Leeds sporting calendar. Many of the teams involved say it’s the highlight of their year, with the chance to play on the famous Headingley Carnegie pitch and meet the Rhinos players. Since the Festival first took place 15 years ago there has been an increased interest in the event, with more teams from Leeds now entering which is excellent to see.”
Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s project officer, Adam Lunn added:
"We had 21 teams competing, ten adults teams and 11 junior sides, who all took part in playing Tag Rugby. Schools and small organisations such as adult youth clubs were all involved. Over the last year, thanks to the support and funding from St James’s Place Foundation to Leeds Rhinos Foundation, we have been able to deliver coaching in the four SILCS in Leeds and following this we have signposted them all to today’s Festival so it is great to see so many teams from these SILCS come along and enjoy a fantastic day.
"This is one of our biggest events and a prime example of club, community and organistions all coming together to enjoy a great event.”
Leeds Rhinos stars Mitch Achurch, Ash Handley, Robbie Mulhern, Brad Singleton, Stevie Ward and Robbie Ward all helped out on the day.
Speaking at the Festival, Singleton said:
“I am really pleased to support this event. I have been getting involved with refereeing and a bit of playing and it’s clear to see everyone is enjoying the event. Sport is a really good way of bringing people together and it’s a privilege to be here.”
Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s rugby league development manager, Leon Crick, added:
“Making sport inclusive is something which is very important to us as a charity. We know the positive impact being involved in sport can have on people’s lives and this is an incredible event which we are proud to support.”
For more information on Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s work in SILCS contact sam.horner@leedsrugbyfoundation.org or for more information on next year’s Disability Tag Rugby Festival contact ross.bibby@leeds.gov.uk
A video of the day can be seen below: